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Review

2003
Dodge
Grand Caravan Review

Pleasant to drive, but lacks the same features offered by the competition.

Reviewed by Automotive on
6/3/2003

Overview

The Dodge Grand Caravan and its smaller counterpart, the Caravan, are the two most popular minivans on the market. It is the larger of the two Caravan models, being very similar in size to the Chrysler Town & Country. It is available in a variety of different trim lines. The base models lack a lot of the standard features offered on other minivans in this class, but the upper level trim lines fare better. Watch out for the optional items: it quickly adds a lot of value to the asking price. It has a lot to offer. Not only do buyers receive a large and luxurious interior, they also get a comfortable ride as well. The powerful V-6 engines easily haul the weight of the minivan, merging and passing on the freeway seamlessly. The only major complaint is the reliability history. Over the years hoses and other components have shown build quality weakness, causing these vehicles to pack it in early. Always ensure that it has a complete repair history and a check-up before purchase. Reliability and price aside, it is a great vehicle for those wanting a powerful engine and a lot of room for the entire family.

The Range

What's New

Two main features are now optional on the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan: a power sunroof (the largest of the minivan class), and a factory-installed DVD player that comes with wireless headphones. The CD player is also upgraded from a four to six-disc player.

Exterior

The 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan is a big one, with a wheelbase measuring 119.3 inches long, and an overall length of 200.5 inches. Sliding doors are installed on each side with a power-sliding feature optional on most, and power operation standard on the ES model.

Interior

The 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan seats seven passengers. Most models have a second and third-row bench seat with the exceptions being the eL, EX, and ES that all have Quad Command seating in the second row. Quad command replaces the second-row bench with two luxurious bucket seats. Luxurious is a good word for the interior. The build quality is great. The highest trim lines offer split second and third row seating for great cargo area, cruise control, front storage console, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, interior air filtration, three-zone climate control, electrochromatic inside rear-view mirror, and a leather steering wheel. These features can cost a pretty penny, but it's worth it in the long run.

Performance & Handling

The 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan comes with one of two engines. The 3.3-liter, V-6 engine produces 180 horsepower and comes in the SE, eL, and four-wheel-drive Sport models. A 3.8-liter, V-6 engine that produces 215 horsepower is installed in the all-wheel drive EX, ES, and Sport vans. All models use a four-speed automatic transmission. Everything about the drive in the Dodge Grand Caravan is sweet. The deep bucket seats keep you comfortable as you lean into hairpin turns, which is something it handles with class. The 3.3-liter is very capable, but those wanting a bit more power should opt for the 3.8-liter V-6. Both engines handle merging and freeway passing with ease. The suspension will absorb even the largest potholes, even with a full interior. Overall, its ride is one of its premium qualities.

Safety

The 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan comes equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, front airbags, and other safety features. The NHTSA gave the Dodge Grand Caravan pretty decent marks: four out of five stars for front impacts for the driver and passenger and five out of five stars for all side impacts. The IIHS also gave it a mark of ""acceptable,"" its second best rating for frontal offset crash tests.